Prince Sreekumar Pius1, Sankar Selvaraj2, Sureshkumar3, Clemancy Baus4, Benedict Vinothini5
BACKGROUND
Organophosphorus compound poisoning is a common toxicological emergency encountered in the district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This study was planned to study the clinical profile of organophosphorus poisoning admitted in Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital, Asaripallam, Tamil Nadu.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The demographic profile of Organophosphorus compound poisoning cases were determined by a retrospective study on all cases of organophosphorus poisoning admitted in the Emergency Department of Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital from January 2014-December 2015.
RESULTS
A total 672 cases of Organophosphorus compound poisoning were analysed during the two year period from January 2014 to December 2015. Young male population were the commonest patients (77%). Suicidal intention was the commonest cause of consumption of OPC (71%). Associated alcohol consumption was reported among 210 patients (31%). 140 patients succumbed to respiratory failure (20%) among which 63 patients were reported to have consumed alcohol. Commonest compound used was diazinon (136 people-20%). A delay of more than 24 hours in arrival lead to higher mortality rates (50%). The maximum hospital stay duration was found to be one week in majority of cases (62.5%). The incidence of death was more in patients with a hospitalisation of more than 3 weeks (22.7%). 644 people survived (95%) and 28 people expired (5%), the most common factor influencing death being respiratory failure.
CONCLUSION
Organophosphorus compound poisoning is a common toxicological emergency and early hospitalisation, education, strict pesticide laws, vigilance in alcohol usage and awareness can reduce the mortality from organophosphorus poisoning.
